Method and assembly for golf swing training

ABSTRACT

A method and assembly for golf swing training incorporating steps and elements of providing a wand having back swing tracking and down swing tracking ends, providing a mat having a back swing tracking line and a down swing tracking line, placing the mat upon the ground, positioning a golfer behind the mat, causing the golfer to manually grasp and hold the wand laterally across his upper chest, and causing the golfer to repeatedly rotatably move his upper chest and hands so that the back swing and down swing tracking ends of the wand alternately and successively pass over the back swing and down swing tracking lines of the mat.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to golf swing training. More particularly,this invention relates to methods for golf swing training having stepswhich are preliminary to golf club swinging and ball driving. Thisinvention further relates to apparatus facilitating such methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In order to properly strike a golf ball, a golfer must perform acomplicated series of body motions including, but not being limited to,shoulder rotation, hip rotation, upper arm flexion and extension,forearm flexion and extension, and hand and wrist motions. Just as agolfer's pectoral and pelvic girdles provide foundational skeletalsupport for a golfer's body, the motions of the pectoral and pelvicgirdles during a golf club swing serve as basic or foundation motions ofthe golf swing. Where a golfer, during a golf club swing, executesproper hip and shoulder motions, while keeping his or her spine angleand knee flex constant, the golfer's arms, wrists, and hands are guidedthrough a swinging motion which minimizes the effect of any arm swingerrors. A “natural” golf shot executed by a novice golfer is typicallythe result of proper core shoulder and hip motions combined withconstancy of spinal alignment and knee flex. Conversely, where a golferfails to execute proper shoulder and hip motions during a golf swing orchanges spinal angle or knee flex during a golf swing, the golfer isforced to utilize unnatural arm and hand motions to compensate forerrors occurring in the core body motions. Such compensating arm andhand motions typically result in inconsistent, inaccurate, and poorlystruck golf shots. Unintended hook or slice golf shots typically are aresult of errors in core body motions discussed above. Regardless of agolfer's ability to compensatingly adjust hand and arm motion, defectivecore body motions tend to betray the golfer. A golf shot utilizingcompensating hand and arm motion will at best produce an accurate shothaving deficient power.

[0003] It is difficult for a golfer to simultaneously learn or traincore body motions discussed above along with arm and hand motion. Thus,it is desirable for a golfer to learn to execute proper body positioningand shoulder and hip motions separate from, or in isolation of, arm andhand motions.

[0004] The instant invention may be utilized by both novice golfers andby accomplished golfers who have persistent core “body mechanics”deficits.

[0005] The instant inventive method and assembly for golf swing trainingadvantageously allows such golfers to learn proper shoulder and hipmotions and body positioning by providing a motion guiding wand, a wandguiding ground or floor mat, and method steps for usage of the wand inconjunction with the mat.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A major structural component of the assembly of the instantinvention is a staff or wand preferably having a length between 106inches and 110 inches. Opposite ends of the wand serve as back swing anddown swing guiding pointers. For compactness of storage, the wandpreferably is composed of alternately assembleable and disassembleablesegments which are joinable by means of slip sleeve and slip pinconnections. Preferably, the segments of the wand are hollow bored,having a tensioned elastic cord extending therethrough for quickassembly of the wand, and for prevention of misplacement of wandsegments while disassembled. Preferably, end segments of the wand aretapered, allowing the wand to aerodynamically rotate, and enhancing thewand's function as a visual pointer. The wand may suitably be fabricatedfrom materials such as wood, PVC plastic, fiberglass, and graphitecomposites. Preferably, the wand has midpoint marking indicia markingthe middle of its central segment.

[0007] A second major component of the assembly of the instant inventioncomprises a preferably rectangular floor or ground mat having a forwardend, a rearward end, and having opposing lateral ends spanning betweenthe forward and rearward ends. The floor or ground mat necessarily hasback swing guiding indicia thereon, preferably in the form a of straightline, such indicia beginning at a point on the mat and extendinglaterally toward one of the mat's lateral ends. Where the floor orground mat is to be used by a right-handed golfer, a left end of theback swing guiding indicia serves as golf ball position indicia, and theopposing right end of the back swing guiding indicia preferablyterminates at the lateral right end of the mat. Preferably, therightward extension of the mat from such golf ball position indicia isfitted to accommodate and guide an approximate ninety degree back swingshoulder rotation as described below.

[0008] The floor or ground mat of the inventive assembly necessarilyfurther has down swing guiding indicia, preferably in the form of acurved line, such indicia commencing at the golf ball position indiciaand extending both in the direction of the back swing guiding indiciaand rearwardly therefrom. Preferably, the down swing guiding indiciaterminates at a point between six and ten inches to the rear of theterminal end of the back swing guiding indicia. The opposite end of thedown swing guiding indicia preferably extends beyond the golf ballposition indicia, intersecting the line of the back swing guidingindicia, and terminating at the lateral left end of the mat. Preferably,the leftward extension of the mat is fitted so that the down swingguiding indicia terminates at a point accommodating an approximate 90degree follow through shoulder turn, as discussed below.

[0009] The floor or ground mat of the instant inventive assemblypreferably has golf ball address guiding indicia extending rearwardlyfrom the golf ball position indicia. Preferably, such indicia comprisesa straight line extending perpendicularly from the back swing guidingindicia. The ball address guiding indicia desirably aids a golfer inorienting his or her stance in relation to the golf ball positionindicia.

[0010] To facilitate use of the inventive mat by left-handed golfers,indicia mirroring those described above are preferably additionallydrawn upon the mat, either upon the same surface, or upon opposingsurfaces. Where the mat comprises a transparent material such astransparent plastic, a single set of indicia as described abovefacilitates use by both left-handed and right-handed golfers. The flooror ground mat may alternately be suitably composed of indoor/outdoorcarpet material, heavy canvas, or vinyl plastic. While not in use, thewand is disassembled and folded, and is preferably rolled within the matfor storage. The rolled components are preferably stored within atubular nylon storage bag.

[0011] In use of the inventive assembly, the floor or ground mat isunrolled and placed upon the ground or upon a floor. In order tosecurely hold the mat upon a ground surface, the mat may be pinned atits corners with golf tees extending through golf tee receivingapertures. Where the inventive assembly is utilized at a golf drivingrange or golf course, it is desirable to orient the mat so that its backswing guiding indicia additionally serves as a target line.

[0012] After placement of the mat upon the floor or ground surface, thejointed segments of the wand are unfolded, allowing the elastic cordextending through the bores of the segments to securely engage thesegments' slip pin and slip sleeve joints, forming a full length wand.Thereafter, the golfer, holding the wand in both hands, approaches themat, and assumes a ball address stance and position identical to thatwhich the golfer would assume upon actual play. In orienting himself orherself in such ball address stance, the golfer assumes that the golfball position indicia is the location of a ball, and that a pin orfairway line lies in alignment with the back swing guiding indicia.Accurate lateral positioning of the golfer in relation to the golf ballposition indicia is assisted by the rearwardly extending ball addressguiding indicia. The distance the golfer stands rearwardly from the golfball position guiding indicia is dictated by golf club selection. Forexample, where the golfer desires to train shoulder and hip motionsassociated with a nine iron swing, the golfer stands a distance from theball matching his or her nine iron ball address. Where the golferdesires to train shoulder and hip motion for golf ball driving, thegolfer stands further away, at a distance identical to the golfer'sdriver or one wood ball address.

[0013] Upon assuming a proper stance in relation to the mat, the golfercenters the wand along the golfer's central spinal axis, guided by thewand's midpoint indicia. The golfer then raises the wand to his or herupper chest, orienting the wand laterally across the golfer's upperchest or pectoral region. Thereafter, the golfer crosses his or herforearms, allowing left and right hands to securely hold the wand in itslaterally extended orientation.

[0014] While securely holding the wand as described above, and whileassuming a ball address stance as described above, the golfer attemptsto repeatedly and successively execute rotating and counter-rotatingshoulder and hip motions which are identical to those associated with aproper golf club swing. As with a proper golf club swing, maintenance ofa constant knee flex and spinal angle throughout the rotating andcounter-rotating motions is desired. Such motions necessarily rotate thewand within angled planes about the golfer's spinal axis. Upon suchrotations, the golfer necessarily watches the opposing ends of the wandas they alternately and successively pass over the mat so that thegolfer can observe wand tip positions and trajectories in relation tothe mat's guiding indicia. Visual observation of the wand tips allowsthe golfer to correct the wand motion through shoulder and hip motionadjustments, or by eliminating undesirable spinal angle changes or kneeflexion. Through repeated use of the method and assembly, a golferlearns proper body positioning and proper hip and shoulder golf swingmotions.

[0015] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea method and assembly for golf club swing training which is capable oftraining body positioning and shoulder and hip motions in isolation ofarm and wrist motions.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such amethod and assembly which incorporates a chest mounted wand used inconjunction with and which is guided by a wand tip guiding floor orground mat.

[0017] Other and further objects, benefits, and advantages of thepresent invention will become known to those skilled in the art uponreview of the Detailed Description which follows, and upon review of theappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] (All drawings are submitted informally.)

[0019]FIG. 1 is a plan view of the wand of the instant inventiveassembly, shown in a folded configuration.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mat of the instant inventiveassembly.

[0021]FIG. 3A is a front view of a golfer positioned for commencement ofthe initial rotation step of the instant inventive method.

[0022]FIG. 3B is a side view of the image of FIG. 3A.

[0023]FIG. 4A is a front view of a golfer engaged in one of the rotationsteps of the instant inventive.

[0024]FIG. 4B is a side view of the image of FIG. 4A.

[0025]FIG. 5A is a front view of a golfer terminating one of therotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0026]FIG. 5B is a side view of the image FIG. 5A.

[0027]FIG. 6A is a front view of a golfer engaged in one of thecounter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0028]FIG. 6B is a side view of the image of FIG. 6A.

[0029]FIG. 7A is a front view of a golfer further engaged in one of thecounter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0030]FIG. 7B is a side view of the image of FIG. 7A.

[0031]FIG. 7A is a front view of a golfer further engaged in one of thecounter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0032]FIG. 5B is a side view of the image of FIG. 7A.

[0033]FIG. 9A is a front view of a golfer terminating one of thecounter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0034]FIG. 9B is a side view of the image of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIG. 1, thewand utilized in the present inventive method and assembly is referredto generally by reference arrow 1. The wand 1 preferably has a middlesegment 14 approximately three feet in length, said segment 14preferably being composed of a plastic or composite material such aspolyvinyl chloride plastic or a carbon fiber composite. Preferably,middle segment 14 has a half inch diameter hollow bore, the ends ofwhich preferably serve as slip pin receiving slip sleeves 13.Preferably, the wand 1 has a pair of end segments 6 and 8, the proximalends of end segments 6 and 8 preferably forming slip pins 10 for secureengagement with slip sleeves 13. Preferably, ends 6 and 8 are taperedfor aerodynamic turning, and for enhancement of their function as visualpointers. Where the wand 1 is utilized by a right-handed golfer, thedistal ends 2 and 4 of segments 8 and 6 respectively serve as back swingand down swing guiding ends. Preferably, ends 6 and 8 are hollow bored,and preferably a tensioned elastic cord 18 extends through their hollowbores, and through the bore of middle segment 14, facilitating quickassembly, and preventing any one of the segments 14, 8, or 6 frombecoming misplaced. Preferably, the wand 1 has midpoint indicia 16marking the middle of middle segment 14, such indicia guidingorientation of the wand 1 in relation to a golfer's spinal axis.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a preferred configuration of the floor orground mat of the present inventive assembly is referred to generally byreference arrow 2. The mat depicted in FIG. 2 is configured for use by aright-handed golfer. In order to facilitate use by a left-handed golfer,a mat mirroring that depicted in FIG. 2 is utilized. Guide indicia andmotions described below in relation to a right-handed golfer mirrorthose applicable to a left-handed golfer.

[0037] Further referring to FIG. 2, the floor or ground mat 12 has aforward edge 28, a rearward edge 33, and left and right lateral edges 30and 32. The mat 12 preferably has back swing guiding indicia 22,preferably in the form of a drawn line. The left end of the back swingguiding indicia 22 preferably serves as a golf ball position indicia 20,and the right end of the back swing indicia 22 preferably terminates atthe right lateral end 32 of the mat 12. While the back swing guidingindicia 22 may suitably be slightly rearwardly curved, such indicia ispreferably straight, serving as a reminder to the golfer that rightwardhip rotation upon execution of a back swing (potentially resulting in anundesirable “inside takeout”) is to be minimized.

[0038] Referring further to FIG. 2, the mat 12 further has arcuatelycurved down swing guiding indicia 24, such indicia commencing at theright lateral end 32 of the mat 12, and curving forwardly and leftwardlyto the golf ball position indicia 20, and thence continuing leftwardlyand forwardly to the left lateral end 30 of mat 12.

[0039] Referring further to FIG. 2, the floor or ground mat 12preferably has ball address guiding indicia 26 extending rearwardly fromthe golf ball position indicia 20. In order to facilitate pinning of themat 12 upon a ground surface, golf tee receiving apertures 23 extendingthrough the mat 12 are preferably provided.

[0040] Referring simultaneously to all figures, FIGS. 3A through 9Bdepict use of the inventive assembly by an exemplary right-handed golferwho is training shoulder and hip motions associated with a one wood ordriver swing. Such figures depict usage of the inventive assembly withina room, and upon a floor surface as opposed to a ground surface of adriving range or golf course.

[0041] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, the golfer 3assumes a ball address stance in relation to golf ball position indicia20 identical to that which would be assumed upon driving a golf ball.The back swing guiding indicia 22 is assumed to lie along a desiredtarget line, while the ball address guiding indicia 26 aids the golferin assuming a proper lateral body position in relation to the ballposition indicia 20. The golfer 3 holds the wand 1 across his upperchest with crossed arms as depicted, so that midpoint indicia 16 of thewand 1 aligns with the golfer's spinal axis.

[0042] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, thegolfer 3 rotates his shoulders counter-clockwise causing the back swingguiding end 2 of wand 1 to swing downwardly to a position overlying golfball position indicia 20. While the golfer moves from the positiondepicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the position depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B,rotation of the golfer's hips about his spinal axis is minimized.Referring further to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the rotational movement of theshoulders of golfer 3 depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B continues until thegolfer 3 completes an approximately 90 degree back swing shoulder turn.During such rotational movement, the golfer 3 views the back swingguiding end 2 of wand 1 in relation to the back swing guiding indicia 22to assure that such end travels rightwardly along a path extendingsubstantially perpendicularly from the golf ball position indicia 20with respect to the ball address indicia 26. By teaching movement of theback swing guiding end 2 of the wand 1 along such perpendicular andstraight path, the mat 12 trains the golfer 3 to avoid an undesirable“inside takeout” back swing motion error.

[0043] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, uponreaching the position depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the golfer 3commences leftwardly rotating his hips, pointing his right toe, droppinghis right shoulder, and counter-rotating his upper body and shoulders.Such counter-rotation draws the wand 1 from the fully rotated positiondepicted in FIG. 5A to the position, approximately ninety degreesremoved depicted in FIG. 6A. Referring further simultaneously to FIGS.7A and 7B, such counter-rotation of shoulders and wand continues untilthe down swing guiding end 4 of wand 1 overlies the right-most end ofthe curved down swing guiding indicia 24. Referring simultaneously toFIGS. 5B and 7B, it can be seen that the down swing guiding end 4 ofwand 1 must be drawn rearwardly during its counter-rotational path inorder to reach the depicted point overlying the rightward end of downswing guiding indicia 24. Such rearward tip drawing motion represents aproper transition from a back swing (having a proper “outside takeout”)to a proper down swing power stroke.

[0044] Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, 7B, 8A, and8B, the counter-rotational motion of the shoulders of golfer 3 and ofwand 1 continues until the down swing guiding end 4 of wand 1 overliesthe golf ball position indicia 20, such motion representing properpassage of a golf club through a ball contact point. Thereafter, furtherreferring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, such counter-rotational motion continuesto an approximate 90 degree follow through shoulder turn. Referringsimultaneously to FIGS. 2, 5A, and 9A, the lateral length of the mat 12is preferably fitted so that upon execution of the depicted 90 degreeshoulder turns, wand tips 2 and 4 continue to point at the mat surface.

[0045] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 3A-9B, it can be seen that thegolfer 3 holds his knee flex and spinal angle substantially constantthroughout the rotation and counter-rotation steps. Where the golferundesirably alters his spinal angle or knee flex during the rotating andcounter-rotating steps, proper tracking of wand tips over the matindicia does not occur. Indicia upon mat 12 therefore assists the golfer3 in maintaining the desired constant spinal angle and knee flex.

[0046] Through repetition of steps described above, a golfer's core bodyposition and shoulder and hip motions may be effectively andadvantageously trained in isolation of arm and hand motions.

[0047] While the principles of the invention have been made clear in theabove illustrative embodiment, those skilled in the art may makemodifications in the structure, arrangement, portions, components, andmethod steps of the invention without departing from those principles.Accordingly, it is intended that the description and drawings beinterpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting sense, and that theinvention be given a scope commensurate with the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A golf swing training method comprising steps of: (a)providing a wand having a back swing tracking end and having a downswing tracking end; (b) providing a mat having a forward end, a rearwardend, a back swing tracking line, and having a down swing tracking line;(c) placing the mat upon a ground or floor surface; (d) positioning agolfer upon the floor or ground surface rearwardly from the back swingand down swing tracking lines; (e) positioning the wand across thegolfer's chest; (f) rotatably moving the golfer's upper body so that theback swing and down swing tracking ends of the wand alternately andsuccessively pass over the back swing and down swing tracking lines. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the golfer positioning step orients thegolfer a distance away from the back swing tracking line greater than orequal to the golfer's nine iron ball address distance, and less than orequal to the golfer's driver ball address distance.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising a step of crossing the golfer's forearms,said step occurring contemporaneously with the wand positioning step. 4.The method of claim 1 further comprising steps of visually observing theback swing and down swing tracking ends of the wand as said endsalternately and successively pass over the back swing and down swingtracking lines.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of rotatablymoving alternately rotates and counter-rotates the wand about thegolfer's spinal axis.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the steps ofpassage of the back swing tracking end of the wand over the back swingtracking line of the mat occur during the wand rotation steps, andwherein the steps of passage of the down swing tracking end of the wandover the down swing tracking line of the mat occur during the wandcounter-rotation steps.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprisingrepeated steps of rotating the golfer's hips, each such step occurringduring one of the wand counter-rotation steps.
 8. The method of claim 7further comprising steps of moving the down swing tracking end of thewand rearwardly, each such step occurring substantiallycontemporaneously with transitions between the wand rotation steps andthe wand counter-rotation steps.
 9. An assembly for golf swing trainingcomprising: (a) a wand having a back swing tracking end and a down swingtracking end; (b) a floor or ground mat having a forward end, a rearwardend, and having opposing lateral ends, said mat having golf ballposition indicia, said mat having back swing guiding indicia extendingfrom the golf ball position indicia and toward one of said mat's lateralends, said mat having down swing guiding indicia extending from the golfball position indicia toward said lateral end and extending rearwardlyfrom the back swing guiding indicia; (c) the wand being positionableupwardly and rearwardly from the golf ball position indicia and across agolfer's chest for rotational movement of the wand by the golfer inrelation to said mat.
 10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the back swingguiding indicia is substantially straight, and wherein the down swingguiding indicia is arcuately and forwardly curved.
 11. The assembly ofclaim 10 wherein the down swing guiding indicia intersects a lineextending along the back swing guiding indicia at the golf ball positionindicia.
 12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the floor or ground matfurther comprises ball address guiding indicia extending rearwardly fromthe golf ball position indicia.
 13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein thewand comprises a plurality of alternately assembleable anddisassembleable segments.
 14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein the wandhas a midpoint, and further comprising midpoint indicia fixedly attachedto the wand.
 15. The assembly of claim 13 wherein each of thealternately assembleable and disassembleable segments comprises a slippin or slip sleeve.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein each of thealternately assembleable and disassembleable segments of the wand has ahollow bore, and further comprising an elastic cord extending throughthe hollow bores.